Posted August 13th, 2007 by Franky in Match Report, Premiership
It would be rather dumb to write a game report about yesterday’s 90 minutes against Reading, as the game was rather one way and can be easily resumed: we played VERY offensively, launched many attacks but failed time after time to create real danger and score.
But there are several things we can learn from yesterday.
Against Reading we played a very solid defense (it is no surprise that I have two Reading defenders in my Fantasy team). A solidly organized defense, a foretaste of the defenses we can expect in Europe and we failed to create genuine chances. Our best chances were a second line shot of Carrick which went over and a run in of Rooney. The moment Rooney got injured.
As I wrote before already, we fail in the air. 12 Corners without scoring are the evidence of the lack of an aerial striking force.
Our midfield has shown that thy can easily control a game, but Reading offered them space. Actually we had almost 75% possession and more than 62% territorial advantage. This also shows in our great passing success of 84%. But no pass had the potential to open the game, to split Reading’s defense. The creativity department had taken a day off and Scholes or even Giggs didn’t try often enough from second line.
In the box itself there were hardly any combinations. Especially when there are 7 defenders a little pass in this whole crowd can do miracles.
After Rooney’s replacement (Rooney’s out for 2 months) we noticed how much we need a striker in the box, someone who can finish the eyes closed. A RVN, a Klinsmann, a Völler. With Saha, who’s more often injured than anything else, as our own alternative, things look somber IMO.
But SAF ruled out looking for a replacement. Because of Roon’s injury Tevez will already feature against Portsmouth on Wednesday.
Conclusion: we need fighters. We need workers. We need to go there where it hurts. Go in the box, follow the guy who penetrates. And while working anyway… try to find a solution for standard situations since we have no aerial force.
Hopefully the trip to Fratton Park will show more genuine danger, because on Sunday again we face a solid block in front of the goal when we play City.
A small question: anyone interested in live updates during the game?
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Comments (5)
when are Saha and Solskjaer due back anyway? I’m wishing that Fergie had kept Rossi, as this would have been his chance to break into the first team.
Arun, both are back in training but how fit are they and how soon will they gain rhythm. Also… how long will it take Saha to get injured again?
Yes, we should have kept Rossi.
True about Saha…his injuries seem to have made him the odd man out. I don’t recall him as being particularly injury prone when he was at Fulham, so I certainly hope that he gets and stays fit — as I think he has a lot to offer. But to the point, this will be a crucial few weeks ahead!
Well, I don’t think the situation is that bad, but yes I agree we’d better have someone like RVN and I don’t think Tevez is that kind of striker.
By the way, I think it’s time for Ronaldo to learn how to play football wisely. He should know when to dribble or pass the ball. Don’t waste of time otherwise the opponents will have time to defend. Remember when Beckham was playing at Man Utd. He would pass the ball as fast as he can because he didn’t want to give opponent a time. If Ronaldo can learn and improve this skill, he will definitely be the best player in the world.
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